Description
Rare Dimorpholites parkinsoni Fossil Ammonite
This listing features a rare Dimorpholites parkinsoni fossil ammonite, discovered within the famous Gault Clay Formation at Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom. Dating to the Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous Period (approximately 125–113 million years ago), this ammonite is a highly sought-after specimen, both for its scientific importance and its striking aesthetic appeal. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact piece you will receive, carefully chosen for its quality and authenticity. As with all our specimens, this fossil comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing that it is a genuine piece of Earth’s ancient history.
Geological Context – Gault Clay Formation
The Gault Clay Formation is one of the most renowned fossil-bearing deposits in Europe. Its fine-grained marine clays were laid down in a shallow epicontinental sea during the Early Cretaceous, providing ideal conditions for preserving marine life. The formation is celebrated for its abundant ammonites, which are often preserved with intricate details of their shells.
The Aptian stage, part of the Early Cretaceous, was a dynamic period of Earth history marked by evolutionary radiation among ammonites. As these cephalopods were fast-evolving and widespread, they became invaluable index fossils, helping geologists to establish precise biostratigraphic frameworks. Fossils such as Dimorpholites parkinsoni are integral to defining and correlating strata within the Gault Clay and beyond.
Fossil Details – Dimorpholites parkinsoni
Dimorpholites parkinsoni belongs to the Order Ammonitida, Superfamily Hoplitoidea, and Family Hoplitidae. This species is distinguished by its elegant morphology and well-defined shell features, including:
- Strong ribbing across the whorls, often with bifurcation, creating a striking visual pattern.
- Involute coiling, where the outer whorls conceal much of the earlier inner whorls.
- A compressed shell section, giving the fossil a flattened but robust appearance.
- Ornamental tubercles or nodules, which sometimes accentuate the rib intersections.
These morphological features make Dimorpholites parkinsoni not only visually attractive but also scientifically valuable, as they allow paleontologists to precisely classify and identify the species within the ammonite lineage.
Scientific Importance and Collector Appeal
Fossils of Dimorpholites parkinsoni are relatively rare finds in the Gault Clay of Folkestone, making them highly collectible. Their detailed shell ornamentation and excellent preservation offer both a fascinating glimpse into the evolutionary history of ammonites and a striking display specimen for collectors.
As a genus within the Hoplitidae family, Dimorpholites is of particular interest in studies of ammonite evolution during the Cretaceous. Its species provide valuable evidence for understanding changes in marine ecosystems, shell morphology, and biostratigraphic correlation across Europe.
Provenance and Classification
- Species: Dimorpholites parkinsoni
- Age: Aptian Stage, Early Cretaceous (~125–113 million years ago)
- Formation: Gault Clay
- Locality: Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Hoplitoidea
- Family: Hoplitidae
A Unique Fossil for Any Collection
This rare Dimorpholites parkinsoni ammonite fossil represents a perfect balance between scientific value and natural beauty. Its ribbed shell, elegant coiling, and exceptional preservation make it a distinguished specimen from one of the UK’s most famous fossil localities. Whether for research, teaching, or private collecting, this ammonite is an outstanding example of Cretaceous marine life.
The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, with scale rule squares of 1 cm included for accurate measurement. Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, this ammonite offers collectors the assurance of owning a genuine and carefully selected specimen of geological history.
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